Modelling Energy Yield Including Rack Shading for Single-Axis Tracked Bifacial Solar Panels

Abstract

Hourly and daily bifacial photovoltaic energy yields are calculated for a single-axis tracking system in Ottawa, ON. The proposed highly-parameterized, computationally-efficient model calculates detailed front and rear irradiance profiles allowing for the analysis of real-world shading losses due to PV panel racking. Annual energy yield calculations are also supported. Cloudy and clear day shading losses are found to increase linearly with torque tube radius for a single-tier (“1-up”) portrait configuration.